How to Use Oracle and Tarot Cards for a Reading: A Beginner’s Guide
Card readings have been a powerful tool for spiritual guidance, insight, and self-reflection for centuries. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned reader, understanding how to use Oracle cards and Tarot cards can help unlock deeper wisdom and provide clarity in your life. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use both Oracle and Tarot cards in your readings, offering tips and techniques to get the most out of your sessions.
Understanding Tarot and Oracle Cards
Before diving into how to use Tarot and Oracle cards for a reading, let’s briefly look at the differences between the two:
Tarot Cards: Tarot decks typically consist of 78 cards, divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). The Major Arcana represents significant life lessons and themes, while the Minor Arcana reflects day-to-day situations and challenges. Tarot readings can offer detailed insights into various aspects of your life, such as love, career, health, and spiritual growth.
Oracle Cards: Oracle decks vary widely in structure, themes, and the number of cards. Unlike Tarot, Oracle cards do not have a set number of cards or a prescribed structure. Each deck is unique, with its own symbolism and focus, which could range from angels, animals, or healing messages to more abstract themes like self-care or personal empowerment.
Both Tarot and Oracle cards are powerful tools for divination and insight, but their approach differs slightly. Oracle cards tend to be more straightforward, with each card providing a clear message or theme. Tarot, on the other hand, can offer more nuanced readings with its layered symbolism and structured system.
How to Use Tarot and Oracle Cards for a Reading
Now that we understand the basic difference between Oracle and Tarot, let’s dive into how to use them effectively in a reading.
Step 1: Set Your Intention
Before you begin your card reading, it's important to set an intention or ask a clear question. This helps focus the reading and gives the cards a specific direction to guide you toward.
Tarot: You may ask questions like, “What do I need to know about my career path?” or “What can I do to improve my relationship?”
Oracle: Oracle readings can be more general or focus on a specific theme such as, “What message do I need to hear right now?” or “What guidance can I receive for my personal growth?”
If you are reading for someone else, be sure to ask them what area they want guidance on or what question they’d like to explore. This ensures that the cards provide relevant insights.
Step 2: Choose Your Deck
Both Tarot and Oracle cards come in various themes and styles. When choosing a deck, it's important to pick one that resonates with you. Trust your intuition when selecting a deck, as this connection will help deepen your reading.
Tarot: A standard Tarot deck will give you a structured reading, with clear symbolism to guide your interpretation. However, there are many different Tarot decks with unique artwork and interpretations. Choose one that speaks to you.
Oracle: Oracle decks tend to have a broader range of themes. If you’re seeking spiritual guidance, an angel or crystal oracle deck might resonate. If you need healing or empowerment, consider a deck that focuses on self-care or personal growth.
Spend time looking through the deck and connecting with its energy. The more you connect with the deck, the more accurately and intuitively you can read the cards.
Step 3: Prepare the Space
Before starting a reading, it’s essential to create an environment that encourages focus and relaxation. A calm and clear space helps set the tone for your reading. Here are a few suggestions:
Clear the space: Remove any distractions and clutter.
Light a candle: Lighting a candle can create a peaceful and focused atmosphere.
Play soothing music: Soft instrumental music or nature sounds can enhance the meditation-like quality of the reading.
Ground yourself: Before handling the cards, take a few deep breaths and ground your energy. This helps clear your mind and connect with your higher self.
Step 4: Shuffle and Focus
When you feel centered and ready, shuffle your deck while focusing on your intention or question. As you shuffle, allow the cards to absorb your energy. The act of shuffling and focusing on your question helps channel the energy needed for the reading.
For Tarot cards, shuffling can also help shuffle through any past experiences or subconscious patterns that may influence the outcome of the reading.
For Oracle cards, shuffling allows the universe to bring forward the messages you need at that moment.
Step 5: Pull Your Cards
There are different ways to pull cards, depending on the type of reading you want to perform:
One-card reading: This is a simple, straightforward way to get immediate insight or clarity on a situation. It’s a great daily or weekly practice to gain quick guidance.
Three-card spread: This spread is common for both Tarot and Oracle cards. You can assign each card a meaning, such as:
Card 1: Past influences or the current situation.
Card 2: Present circumstances or actions to take.
Card 3: The outcome or future guidance.
Celtic Cross: A common Tarot spread that uses 10 cards, offering a more detailed and complex reading.
For Oracle cards, you may pull just one card, as they often offer concise, clear messages. However, some people like to pull multiple cards to create a layered, comprehensive reading.
Step 6: Interpret the Cards
Now it’s time to interpret the cards. Each deck will come with a guidebook that offers meanings for each card. However, Tarot and Oracle cards are not just about the literal meaning; the true power of card reading comes from your intuition.
For Tarot: Pay attention to both the symbolism and the position of each card. The Major Arcana represents significant life themes, while the Minor Arcana focuses on day-to-day situations. Look at how the cards relate to one another — do they form a cohesive narrative? What energy do the cards evoke?
For Oracle: Oracle cards usually have a clear message or phrase that can be interpreted directly. Let your intuition guide you as you read the message, but feel free to expand upon it based on your feelings or the situation you’re exploring.
Remember, sometimes the cards will bring up themes that are subconscious or unexpected. Allow yourself to receive the messages without judgment, and trust the process.
Step 7: Reflect and Journal
After the reading, take time to reflect on the messages you received. Some people find it helpful to journal after a reading, as it allows you to process and solidify the insights gained from the cards. Reflect on the following:
What cards stood out to you the most?
How did the reading relate to your current life situation?
Did the reading provide new perspectives or insights?
By journaling your readings, you create a record that allows you to track patterns over time and see how your cards and intuition evolve.
Step 8: Close the Reading
Once your reading is complete, it’s important to close the session properly. Here’s how:
Thank the cards: Express gratitude to your deck for its guidance.
Clear the energy: You can use a sage bundle, incense, or a crystal (such as selenite) to clear the energy of the reading space.
Put the cards away: Place the cards back in their box or pouch and store them safely, so they’re ready for your next session.
Conclusion: Practice and Trust Your Intuition
Both Oracle and Tarot cards are powerful tools for self-reflection, guidance, and clarity. The more you practice, the easier it will become to read the cards with confidence and trust your intuition. Remember, card reading is a skill that develops over time, so be patient with yourself.
As you continue to explore the messages that the cards bring, you’ll unlock new layers of wisdom, insight, and guidance that can help you navigate life’s journey with clarity and purpose.
